In recent years, the cannabis market in California has quickly grown to become one of the state’s biggest and most lucrative industries. Legalizing recreational marijuana in 2016 made it easier for commercial enterprises to operate legally – entailing more access to a variety of cannabis products for consumers.
Now, many entrepreneurs are asking if they can get involved with commercial cannabis production. To answer that question correctly, it’s essential to understand the requirements for growing weed in California legally:
State versus local laws
In California, cannabis use is legal, but cities and counties can prohibit cannabis businesses like retail. This means that the state is a patchwork of areas where commercial cannabis activity is or is not allowed.
If you want to become a commercial cannabis grower in California, there are several steps you need to take. The first step is to get a cultivation license from the Department of Cannabis Control. You may also require additional permits from the California Department of Food and Agriculture if necessary.
Santa Monica allows for medicinal cannabis retail, with limited on-site cultivation and light manufacturing operations. Arcadia bans cannabis cultivation to the extent of the law, including outdoors, and requires a permit to grow a set of six plants.
Once all the necessary licenses have been obtained, you can begin growing cannabis commercially in California. It is important to note that patients must be at least 18 years old and must be residents of California with valid residency proof to obtain a Grower’s License and grow up to 99 plants for medical use.
Cultivating cannabis in California for commercial purposes is constantly evolving. To ensure legal compliance, it’s imperative that you work with someone familiar with the laws in your county and city.